|
Kootenai River Basin
The Kootenay River - 2nd largest Columbia River Tributary
Geography
The Kootenay or Kootenai River Basin is an international watershed encompassing about 18,00 square miles of British Columbia, Northwest Montana and Northern Idaho. The Kootenai River originates just North of Kootenay National Park. From there is flows 485 miles through Montana and Idaho, eventually returning to Canada and Kootenay Lake. Basin topography is dominated by steep mountainous country, 90% of which is forested or above tree-line. It drops nearly 1,805 meters (5,914 feet) in elevation as it flows through the basin.
Rainfall is relatively plentiful throughout the basin, making it the second largest tributary of the Columbia River system in terms of runoff volume, though it is only the third largest in terms of drainage area. Only the Snake River contributes more volume, and does so from a much larger watershed area.
The Kootenay River - 2nd largest Columbia River Tributary
Geography
The Kootenay or Kootenai River Basin is an international watershed encompassing about 18,00 square miles of British Columbia, Northwest Montana and Northern Idaho. The Kootenai River originates just North of Kootenay National Park. From there is flows 485 miles through Montana and Idaho, eventually returning to Canada and Kootenay Lake. Basin topography is dominated by steep mountainous country, 90% of which is forested or above tree-line. It drops nearly 1,805 meters (5,914 feet) in elevation as it flows through the basin.
Rainfall is relatively plentiful throughout the basin, making it the second largest tributary of the Columbia River system in terms of runoff volume, though it is only the third largest in terms of drainage area. Only the Snake River contributes more volume, and does so from a much larger watershed area.